Honoree Monica Leo was presented with flowers and a certificate at the event. From left, Brookhaven Town Clerk Donna Lent, Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree Monica Leo and Town of Brookhaven Hispanic Advisory Board Chairman Guillermo Sandoval.
FARMINGVILLE — Town of Brookhaven White-Collar Unit member Monica Leo was recently honored by the town’s Hispanic Advisory Board at its 6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.
The event was established to help improve cultural understanding between the Hispanic community, civic and business leaders, town government and town residents.
Leo works as a Spanish-Speaking Office Assistant in the Brookhaven Town Clerk’s Office. She was nominated for the honor by Town Clerk Donna Lent, who spoke about Leo’s dedication to her job, helpful nature and overall contribution to the town, during the ceremony.
“I work a lot with the Spanish Community to explain the kinds of services the town offers,” said Leo. “I also work with the Hispanic community on my personal time through a Christian group called Samaritan’s Purse.”
Samaritan’s Purse provides gift-filled shoe boxes to impoverished children around the world through their shoebox ministry.
The type of work Leo does with the Hispanic community truly changes lives. Leo spoke about a single mother that she helped several years ago.
“She was interested in buying a food truck. I helped her navigate through the process,” said Leo. “She is doing so well now.”
“We talked a lot about both her personal and professional issues. I became like a confidant for her,” said Leo. “I feel so fulfilled knowing that a little help from me changed someone’s life.”
— Wendi Bowie
